Energy Transfer and Conversion in Nanoscale Gaps

Understanding radiative heat transfer in nanoscale gaps and devices is of considerable interest
for creating novel energy conversion devices. In this talk, I will first describe ongoing efforts
in our group to experimentally elucidate nanoscale radiative heat transfer. I will present our
recent experimental work where we have explored how radiative heat transfer is modified in
nanoscale gaps at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures. Specifically, I will describe
a variety of instrumentation including novel nanopositioning platforms and microdevices,
which we have developed to accomplish these measurements. Further, I will discuss possible
applications of near-field thermal radiation for energy conversion and photonic cooling.
Finally, I will briefly outline how these technical advances can be leveraged for future
investigations of nanoscale heat transport and near-field thermophotovoltaic energy
conversion.